5 Gallon Tank Pics

[mwood2]

I just put togeather the base of my tank and am looking for opinions. I plan to make this a Betta Tank and have given it an asian theme. I decided to ditch the built in filter in exchange for a Fluval U1. pics are below:

I also have a few questions before I add anything though:

1: New Cycle or media from 30 Gallon? If i use media from 30 how much since I have mutliple small pads and how do I know it will be enough to cope with betta waste?
2: Is the Fluval U1 to much for a 5 Gallon Betta? Its rated for 15 gallons and has 65GPH. I have the current turned down am am thinking of putting foam over the end of the output to slow it and create a home for bacteria.
3: Any Tankmates?
4: Live Plants? I have a 10 watt florescent bulb in there.

Other then that what do you think?

EDIT: Tanks done and betta was added with mature media:

Not the best pic but..

 

[loraxchick]

defo use media from the other filter. use as much of it as it takes to get the new filter foinf UP TO ONLY 1/3...just replace whatever you took out of the old filter with new media. and if the new filter requires more than 1/3 of the old filter media, use the 1/3 form the old filter and fill it in with new stuff and replace what you took out of the old one. (does that make sense )
defo get love plants. elodea is easy and fast growing and crypts are easy too. take longer to grow but do well in low light in my experience. you may notice their leaves ":melt" when you first plant them but leave the plant alone and it will grow back...
cant wait to see your fish
cheers

 

[andy d]

Check this out for inspiration!

I love it!

LINKY TO YOUTUBE

 

[Glassman]

Check this out for inspiration!

I love it!

LINKY TO YOUTUBE

awesome video

 

[bagu]

thats gorgeous!

 

[Honeythorn]

A Fluval one might prove to be be too strong for a veiltail or other long finned type of betta.

Plakats or a female will be fine as their short fins mean they are much better swimmers. So unless you're planning on getting either a plakat or female then I'd switch to a sponge filter or use the built in one for a VT or other fancy

Is the built in filter in the hood? It looks like it is in the first pic. If it is, that built in filter is absolutely fine for a betta. I have a similar type in my 5 gal hex. I put ceramic media from my mature Eheim in it when I set it up, works very well .

If you make sure the water level is right up to where the water comes out, then the surface disturbance is kept right down and doesn't upset the betta.